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United Arab Emirates (UAE) rally and endurance driver Khaled Al Qubaisi was at Abu Dhabi’s Corniche to unveil the countdown clock for the Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge. He was also there to extend his support for the Petroleum Institute (PI), whose team is representing the country during the multi-stage, timed solar-car competition. Al Qubaisi joins other UAE motor sport champions, including Sheikh Khalid Al Qassimi and Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who will together encourage the nation to rally behind the PI team and to support the international competition.
The countdown clock, which houses a scale model solar car, is ticking down to the qualifying at Yas Marina Circuit on 15 January. The challenge, which covers 1,200kms on the roads of the emirate of Abu Dhabi, takes place from 16to 19 January 2015. More than 20 university teams from around the world will take part in the international competition.
Al Qubaisi said: “As we countdown to the start of the first-ever solar challenge in the UAE, the nation can be proud it is represented by such a focused and determined team of students. They will compete against the best international teams and showcase their innovative, automotive technology.”
The Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge is sponsored by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), and hosted by Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company, Masdar, as part of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, which takes place January 17-24. With the support of the partners, the event brings to life innovation in clean energy technology, and highlights Abu Dhabi’s role as a leader in the sector.
For more than four decades, ADNOC has been enhancing its competitive position becoming one of the world’s leading oil companies with substantial business interests in upstream and downstream operations. Giving priority to education, ADNOC has established a number of institutions that train and develop a qualified UAE cadre for the energy sector.
ADNOC spokesperson said “ADNOC strongly support and encourage education and innovation, using institutions such as the Petroleum Institute to generate the engineers of the future. The Petroleum Institute team has already achieved something brand new, and as the first ever team from the UAE to partake in such an event, we as a nation are extremely proud.”
“Today we launch the countdown to the inaugural Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge, and we will soon welcome teams from across the globe to the UAE. We hope the UAE public will be as excited about the event as we are, and we are proud to be sponsors of such a milestone event.”
Masdar’s global reputation as a renewable-energy pioneer helped attract and, ultimately, bring the solar challenge to Abu Dhabi. The company’s mission to advance clean energy, along with Abu Dhabi’s role as an international energy hub, makes the emirate an ideal location for the solar-car competition. Masdar is proud to host the event as it showcases the viability of solar technology, while also displaying the power of human ingenuity.
Dr. Nawal Al Hosany, director of sustainability, Masdar, said: “The PI team car is testament to the ingenuity of the next generation. The students have pushed the boundaries of innovation, producing a car that will go-head-to-head against leading teams from around the world. Represented by such talent, the UAE should be proud of all they have achieved before even crossing the starting line.
“Masdar is a proud host, as the competition showcases the potential of clean technology and delivers an inspiring message for generations to come.” continued Dr. Nawal.
Dr. Fahad Almaskari, Director of Solar Car Project said “We are very proud to represent our country in this international challenge. This is a huge responsibility for us as a new team but we are fortunate to have the support from the top rally drivers in UAE. We are glad to see the support from the public which lift our spirits and increase our determination in this challenge.”
The team and celebrity ambassadors are encouraging the UAE public to continue to show their support. The hashtag #SolarTeamUAE will be used across all social media platforms and the students will be keeping the public up to date on their successes.
The Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge countdown clock is open to the public to view, and organisers encourage people to visit, take photos and post to social media, with a replica solar car model at the stand.
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